Injuries accounted for more than 75 percent of deaths involving young adults and caused nearly half of all childhood deaths. Injury death and hospitalization rates were highest among elderly persons, suicide attempt rates were highest among people between 15 and 24 years of age, and homicide death and hospitalization rates were highest among young adults. Most injury deaths for persons between 10 and 34 years of age occurred on the street, while injury deaths after age 35 most often occurred in the home. For all age groups, most injuries causing hospitalization occurred in the home. Most injury deaths were caused by vehicular accidents for people under age 35, by suicide for people between 36 and 75 years of age, and by falls for people over 75 years of age. Injury hospitalizations most frequently resulted from falls, vehicular accidents, or recreational activities. The need to prevent injuries, particularly those involving children, is stressed. 17 references and 7 figures